If you were an applicant, why would you choose to train in your residency program?:

Our program offers well balanced training in both open and minimally invasive surgery. We have subspecialists in oncology, robotic/lap, neurourology, pediatrics, infertility, and renal transplant. UNM has recently opened up a brand-new freestanding hospital on the west side of Albuquerque and installed a new daVinci Si there. We actually have 4 robots in our training program, at all the different hospitals our residents rotate at. Our renal transplant experience is a unique feature of our program - we believe it gives our residents comfort with major open surgery that translates into improved open surgical and oncology skill. We have recently hired an additional renal transplant surgeon, an endourologist, and a general urologist and are continuing to expand. As the only university hospital and tertiary care center in the state, we draw from a wide region and therefore, have an impressive clinical experience for the residents. New Mexico is indeed a beautiful location to do training, with ample outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, and cultural activities afforded by our proximity to Santa Fe, one of the premier tourist destinations in the US. Please see a video tour of our program at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJDguHQTP8

What is your program looking for in a graduating medical student?:

We are of course, looking for evidence of a strong work ethic and excellence in medical school. We are also looking for someone who will be a good "fit"

What part of an application do you consider most important in ranking applicants?:

We believe the interview, board scores, and achievement in medical school to be most important.

What advice do you have for medical students hoping to match in Urology?:

Do some rotations in urology and start early. Urologists tend to be a well rounded bunch and we are looking for well rounded people so keep that in mind. What it ususally means if you want to do urology is that you have a surgeon's mindset. Urology is extremely competive these days. Go after it but if you don't make it for one reason or another, remember that you will be happy doing surgery of some sort so head that direction.

Comments

Interview Impressions: UNMFive year program, 2 residents per year. I got the impression that the residents had great training. They have high volume at the U as well as at the VA, with 2 robots. Good specialty coverage except for female. The residents were all friendly and very happy, and obviously got along great with the faculty who were all extremely dedicated to resident teaching. I thought that the attendings, including the chairman (Dr Smith) were truly remarkable. I ranked them halfway down my list just because my spouse didn't want to move to NM, but I would have ranked them much higher if not for that. Very solid program in my opinion.

I thought that the attendings, including the chairman (Dr Smith) were truly remarkable. I ranked them halfway down my list just because my spouse didn't want to move to NM, but I would have ranked them much higher if not for that.